In February 2018, the Republic of Estonia will celebrate its 100th birthday. Regardless of being in an advanced age, it is very much looking forward to receiving presents. One way to make it happy is to contribute to the various gift programs launched within the Estonia 100 framework.

One of the first such programs, launched on Monday, is the “Each child has their own instrument” ("Igal lapsel oma pill") initiative, fueled by the dream that every child who wishes to do so can enjoy playing a musical instrument.

The project aims to renew the range of instruments in different schools and institutions that provide musical education to children and young people, in cooperation with the state, private sector and music lovers.

According to estimations, 3,200 new instruments are needed in the coming years. The majority of the instruments that are actively used in the educational establishments are in bad condition, and often certain fields of study are somewhat neglected because of unavailable instruments. In addition, cultural houses, schools, youth centers and other smaller institutions also provide musical education, increasing the need for new instruments.

“It's difficult to overestimate the importance of playing an instrument; it has a significant role in a child’s emotional education by shaping their aesthetic taste and developing creativity. It's not important if a child can hold a tune or has a sense of rhythm; playing an instrument makes a child’s hearts sing,” said Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor and patron of initiative.

All institutions that provide musical education can submit applications for up to seven musical instruments by 23 April. There are no limitations in terms of types of instruments, which will be acquired and distributed from 2015 to 2018. They will remain in the collective use.

“I have met students who are talented, but their school is unable to acquire an instrument of their interest. This is very sad and I hope that there will be fewer and fewer instances like this thanks to this project. I believe that this project could provide the possibility for schools to diversify their range of instruments and acquire various Estonian folk instruments in addition to the classical ones,” said Eeva Talsi, music teacher and singer, who in 2014 shot to fame with her band Curly Strings.

The purchase of the instruments is supported from the budget of Estonia 100. All music lovers are encouraged to help out as well. Detailed information about the project and others as they are launched can be found at www.ev100.ee.

The initiators of the joint gift are the Estonian Union of Music Schools, Estonian Wind Music Society, Estonian Traditional Music Center, Estonian Rhythmic Music Education Union, Estonian Symphony Orchestras Association and the Organizing Committee of Estonia 100.